Comparison of the cutting efficiency of two ultrasonic units utilizing two different tips at two different power settings

The objective of this in vitro study was to set up a testing protocol and utilize it to evaluate and compare the cutting efficiency of ultrasonic units. Evaluation of two ultrasonic units utilizing two different tips was done by measuring the weght of a dentin specimen before and after ultrasonic treatment for set time periods. The difference in weight was the amount of dentin removed. The ultrasonic units tested were the P5 Booster (Staelec, France) and the Spartan (Obtura-Spartan, Fenton, MO) machines. The tips tested were the CPR-2D and ETD20 types. The units were tested at maximum and medium power. All the experimental variables, ultrasonic unit type, power setting and tip type were found to have an effect on the cutting efficiency (P<0.0001). The P5 ultrasonic unit was more effective at dentin removal than the Spantan ultrasonic unit at both power settings. The ETD-20 tip was more effective at dentin removal than the CPR-2D tip on both units at both power settings.